This is a practical and very readable book that will be useful for both novices in the software-process-design environment and for seasoned professionals. The book is divided into three logical subject groupings.

Chapters 1-3 focus on the quality-improvement dilemma and discuss process management as a significant solution approach. Chapters 4-10 provide an excellent overview of the critical elements and a variety of concepts that can be used for process improvement. Discussions are provided on connecting process to success, process management, making the process visible, and diagnosing and streamlining the process. Chapters 11-13 delineate many of the resources that are available.

The focus throughout the book is on the practical aspects of process design. This book provides technique examples that have worked for the author and her clients. Holdworth notes that "improvement can come about only by having a rational and coordinated approach grounded in process knowledge"(p. 229). This book provides a solid foundation of that knowledge.